Yes, exactly. It is the saliva I am reacting to. He must have some on his nose too, because if I am holding him and he noses around my neck, I will break out all over my chest. I even break out in the vets office (itching and sneezing). I have asthma anyway, but he doesn't seem to trigger that. But when the hives break out, my skin goes nuts. I now have a constant rash on my face, have been on antibiotics 3 times in the last 2 months, all triggered by an "allergen". Does your daughter have dogs? I try to wash my hands as soon as I'm finished holding him or brushing him, but it is usually too late. How does she keep her dog but avoid him? I'm usually the one home with him, and he LOVES to play fetch. If I ignore him, he will bring his saliva soaked toy and drop it right on my head (he walks along the top of the couch). It's funny, but itchy....
I guess there isn't much else to do but live with it...